LightlyMyDarling

Hi guys! Is there a set amount of calories we should be consuming? The emphasis is always on Protein, and I can meet my Protein goals with two Premier Protein shakes a day (30 grams each). Each shake is 160 calories, for a total of 320 calories. If I'm taking all my Vitamins, drinking tons of Water, and consuming the shakes, do I need more calories than that?

I am on week five and have no issues consuming more (totals are usually in the 600-1000 calorie range including solids), but hypothetically can I survive and thrive on the above scenario?

I'm four weeks out (surgery was Dec. 9) and I go back to work tomorrow. I was lucky to have a whole month off to recover, and everything is going well.

EXCEPT...I still feel very weak and dizzy and tired if I do any activity outside the house. I went to Walmart for about 30 minutes and got sweaty and dizzy and nauseated and felt like I was going to pass out. I'm getting all my Protein, starting solids, and staying hydrated. I guess I just want to know if this is normal and if other people experience this?

I was thinking that maybe my body is still adjusting to 800 calories a day vs. 3,000 calories a day. It makes it really hard to exercise (walk, stationary bicycle) even though I know it is important. Does it get easier when you lose more weight? (I've lost 40lbs so far) Will my body adjust to having to support so much weight on so few calories? How long was it for you to feel fully recovered, strong, and normal after surgery?

Were you sleeved or did you get the Lap-Band? Just curious as your profile tags say Lap-Band. Either way, I hear you on the restriction! I was sleeved on Dec. 9 and have zero issues with nausea, vomiting, or restriction with liquids or Protein. When I started soft foods I felt it more and I was so happy to know that it's working!

I'm only 3 weeks post op and I loved Christmas breakfast! Had a few bites of yummy cheesy egg casserole, 1/2 sausage patty, one jumbo shrimp with cocktail sauce, handful of homemade almond flour crackers and onion dip. I did splurge and had a tiny slice of pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream and three small Cookies made with 1/2 sugar and 1/2 Splenda. I also brought my Isopure to sip on afterwards. I was so happy I could enjoy delicious Christmas foods with my family!

What I would normally have had in addition to the above, but skipped: coffee with cream, buttery Christmas bread and jam, sparkling cranberry punch, and several helpings of everything else I mentioned above! I feel lucky because I could indulge as my sleeve is a "firm, but fair mistress"! :-)

I asked my surgeon (here in Colorado, too!) about bougie size and he said he uses 34 which gives good restriction, but limits nausea. He said anything smaller than a 34 can cause lots of nausea/vomiting. I'm sorry you're daughter is dealing with this. Good luck--I love my surgeon (Dr. Matthew Metz) and hopefully the one you're working with can help you as well.

I am 3 weeks post-op and I was advised to have around 60 grams of Protein daily, but sometimes I have upwards of 90-100 grams. (Isopure clear drinks have 40 grams, Premiere Protein has 30 grams). Is it possible to have TOO much protein? Are there any side effects I should worry about? I know getting enough protein is often a concern of the newly sleeved, but I am wondering the opposite!

I had unbearable incision pain for the first week or so, then it gradually got better. My surgeon said it was due to the internal stitches and the pain would lessen as the stitches dissolved. The first week was excruciating and I couldn't wash my hair, put on socks, get out of a chair to roll over in bed without crying out in pain. But it did get better and now (two weeks out) I only have a twinge of discomfort if I twist too fast or lift something wrong. It will get better, just baby yourself for several days! :-)

I am five days post-op and have been able to meet my 60-90grams of Protein every day (I feel lucky!). I was wondering if you can still experience Hair loss even when you meet or exceed your protein goals?

Wanting to get some ideas!

I can't do broth either. Just the thought makes me want to vomit so I have been sticking to Isopure clear drinks, Premier Protein, and Powerade Zero.

My surgery was two days ago at 4pm. I went home the day after around 1pm, so I wasn't in the hospital for even 24 hours! I did enjoy having morphine via IV during the night as it helped with pain and made me sleepy, but now I'm just on pill vicodin which works okay as well.

It was really nice coming home to my own bed and shower and dog! :-)

Hey Colorado Sleevers! I'm scheduled for December 9, 2014 and was wondering if any of you who have had the sleeve can comment on staying hydrated here in Colorado? My husband worries if we go hiking I won't be able to get enough hydration...thoughts? Experiences?

What words or quotations inspire you? What are you go-to songs for inspiration?

Quotes:

“It’s dark because you are trying too hard. Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. Yes, feel lightly even though you’re feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them. So throw away your baggage and go forward. There are quicksands all about you, sucking at your feet, trying to suck you down into fear and self-pity and despair. That’s why you must walk so lightly. Lightly my darling...”-- from Island by Aldous Huxley

Songs that inspire me:

Defying Gravity from Wicked

I lived by OneRepublic

Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys

Lover of the Light by Mumford and Sons

I'll Be Okay by Amanda Marshall

I Wanna Get Better by The Bleachers

Work Bitch by Britney Spears

What are yours?

Yay! Congratulations! I'm scheduled for Tuesday the 9th, 2014!

My husband's insurance plan will not cover any bariatric surgery, even with co-morbities, so I am doing a cash pay VSG.

Does anyone have experience with insurance covering complications AFTER surgery, hospital stay, post op office visits, etc?

I mean, can insurance deny ANYTHING related to the surgery or just the surgery itself? I assume prescriptions will be covered so that's a plus at least.

My husband's insurance plan will not cover any bariatric surgery, even with co-morbities, so I am doing a cash pay VSG.

Does anyone have experience with insurance covering complications AFTER surgery, hospital stay, post op office visits, etc?

I mean, can insurance deny ANYTHING related to the surgery or just the surgery itself? I assume prescriptions will be covered so that's a plus at least.

Is weight gain caused by mindless snacking and grazing? Drinking milkshakes all day long? I haven't had my surgery yet, but I'm curious how weight gain happens a year or two after the surgery "honeymoon" period is over.

If you're stomach is still small, with just a bit of stretching, even if eating "slider" foods how can weight gain be significant unless you're consciously trying to eat, eat, eat all the time? I think most of us gained weight by doing just that, but isn't it harder to snack all the time after the sleeve? Any thoughts would be appreciated!